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Local Sports

Sept. 28, 2019Game | Football

Northwest 59, UCO 10

(Photo courtesy Todd Weddle, Northwest Missouri State University)

Northwest Missouri State University started fast Saturday afternoon and couldn't be derailed by a weather delay en route to a 59-10 win over Central Oklahoma.

The Bearcats (4-0) and Bronchos (2-2) were pulled off the field with 1:55 remaining in the first quarter, and waited out a three hour, 17 minute delay to finish the game.

The 'Cats were sparked by a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to start the game by Imoni Donadelle. The defense immediately forced a UCO three-and-out, thanks in part to Andy Hessler's first sack of the season. The offense responded on its first play from scrimmage with a 48-yard touchdown pass down the sideline in front of the Northwest bench from Braden Wright to Justin Rankin.

The Bearcats opened a 17-0 lead after a Parker Sampson field goal less than six minutes into the game. The Bronchos put together an 11-play, 88-yard drive capped by a six-yard touchdown pass from Keats Calhoon to Dustin Basks with 3:13 remaining to cut into the deficit.

Northwest answered right away with a four-play, 47-yard drive that ended on a 13-yard scamper into the end zone by Wright to put the 'Cats up 24-7 with 1:55 left in the first quarter.

That's when the weather delay hit.

Thunderstorms rolling through the area sent both teams and fans to shelter until they passed. The game went into a delay around 2:18pm, and resumed after 5:30pm.

The storms couldn't slow Northwest.

The Bearcats outscored UCO 28-0 in the second quarter.

Wright finished with the first 300-plus yard passing game of his career with 305 coming in the first half alone. He also scored five total touchdowns.

Hamilton native LaTroy Harper hauled in three receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Harper's second touchdown, a 53-yard pitch and catch, came against Central Oklahoma's O'Shay Harris — a 2018 All-American.

Linebacker Sam Phillips had two of Northwest's seven sacks in the win.

Donadelle finished with 174 kickoff return yards and a touchdown on three returns.

Northwest takes its perfect record on the road next Saturday for a matchup with Emporia State.